"Dear Steve, I saw a patient this morning with your book [in hand] and highlights throughout. She loves it and finds it very useful to help her in dealing with atrial fibrillation."

Dr. Wilber Su,Cavanaugh Heart Center, Phoenix, AZ

"...masterful. You managed to combine an encyclopedic compilation of information with the simplicity of presentation that enhances the delivery of the information to the reader. This is not an easy thing to do, but you have been very, very successful at it."

Ira David Levin, heart patient, Rome, Italy

"Within the pages of Beat Your A-Fib, Dr. Steve Ryan, PhD, provides a comprehensive guide for persons seeking to find a cure for their Atrial Fibrillation."

laser

Laser Balloon Catheter

The variable size balloon of the Laser catheter (CardioFocus, Inc., Marlborough, MA) can be positioned in a vein opening to encircle the vein.

Two overlapping laser energy ablations can usually completely isolatethe vein without any gaps. The catheter features direct visualization (endoscopic). The doctor sees directly through the catheter the area he/she is ablating.

Though the Laser Balloon Catheter is probably years away from FDA approval, it may have more potential than the CryoBalloon catheter. The variable size of the Laser Balloon makes it easier to manipulate and might enable it to fit better into the different sizes of pulmonary vein openings. Laser energy might produce more lasting lesions than Cryo. And direct visualization would certainly be a help to doctors doing an ablation and would reduce the amount of radiation patients and medical staff are exposed to.This is an example of what the doctor sees. “LSPV” is the Left Superior Pulmonary Vein, “LIPV” is the Left Inferior Pulmonary Vein. (posted 2011)

Disclaimer: the authors of this Web site are not medical doctors and are not affiliated with any medical school or organization. The information on this site is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in this service is intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment.